He also slammed the South Yorkshire force, accusing them of tipping off the media.

The force last night denied being the source of the BBC’s story but added: “When a media outlet contacted us with information about an investigation, we took the decision to work with them in order to protect the integrity of that investigation.”

Before the allegations surfaced, Sir Cliff planned to spend the summer at his villa in Portugal.

A blue Renault Scenic car, believed to be carrying him, was spotted driving into the hilltop property in the village of Guia just after lunchtime yesterday.

Convoy of police cars enters complex where Sir Cliff has home

He is thought to be holidaying with his sister, Joan Pilgrim.

A British neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “Cliff is a well-liked man around here and no one would ever have a bad word to say about him.”

Other friends came to his defence. Kiss FM Portugal DJ Owen Gee said: “We all think this is a crying shame. He, of all people, doesn’t deserve this but it’s happened to so many.

“He’ll come through it, don’t you worry, he’s a fighter.”

Broadcaster Gloria Hunniford, 74, said: “I’ve never seen Cliff put a foot or a word wrong in his life, never. He is a gorgeous man.”

More than 10,000 messages of support have been posted on Sir Cliff’s Facebook page.

Richard Bryce, the son of Sir Cliff’s long-serving tour manager David, wrote: “He is a good man and this will come to nothing in the end.”

The alleged victim, now in his 40s, claims to have been assaulted at a Christian rally in Sheffield.